Reflections on Barter Town

Reflections on Barter Town

I feel that KBMP’s participation in Barter Town was a real success. Every single one of our young artists was effectively able to barter their art. Our young artist bartered portraits, drawings of spirit animals, books of poetry, and even musical duets. In return they got an array of local art, face painting, Chinese lessons, homemade pie, and the promise of an energy crystal (it’s still in the mail). Nobody left empty handed. More importantly, our young artists were able to engage with the other participants in Barter Town. The exchanges our students partook in constituted more than just handing over goods. In many cases they got into conversations about their art and learned about the art of the people with whom they were bartering. Even though the idea of “redefining the nature of an exchange” is somewhat grandiose and abstract, I think that our students were able to do it in their own way. Towards the end of the event one of our students asked if it would be possible for KBMP to have its own Barter Town. I think it’s entirely possible and all I can say is that I’m crossing my fingers.

p.s. I’d like so give a big shout out to Heather Hart for organizing such a great event.